Youngsters are being warned about the dangers of “legal highs” after four people were taken to hospital.

The incidents, which happened in Washington area, all involved a substance called Exodus or Exodus Blue.

On Saturday, a 33-year-old man was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for observations from Concord after suffering a reaction to it.

On the same day, officers received a report of a 14-year-old boy being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead, from the Jubilee Square area of Washington to be checked, again after taking a legal high.

Two boys, aged 16 and 14, were also taken to the QE on Tuesday after being found by police suffering ill effects. This also happened in Jubilee Square. Both have since been released following medical treatment.

Police say that although the substance is legal, it is sold as an incense to be burned, not consumed.

They have seized a quantity of this and similar items for testing.

Officers will also be visiting schools following the half-term holidays to reinforce the message about the dangers of legal highs.

Insp Paul Stewart, from the Washington neighbourhood team, said: “While this product can be sold and used legally, it’s an incense to be burned only, not to be consumed as it has been in these cases.

“Being misused in this way has resulted in people needing hospital treatment.

“Thankfully those involved haven’t suffered any serious damage, but that’s not to say it can’t have a more devastating impact on people’s health.

“The use of legal highs is far from harmless. They can cause symptoms ranging from reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, unconsciousness and seizures. These risks are increased if mixed with alcohol or other stimulants.

“These substances also often contain potentially dangerous chemicals which can prove fatal whichever way they are used, so it’s extremely important people avoid them.

“We will be visiting schools in the area to reinforce these messages and make sure young people are aware of the potential dangers of using so-called legal highs.”

Over the last year, similar incidents have occurred across the North East.

In April, three 15-year-olds were hospitalised when they began vomiting blood after experimenting with a substance known as Clockwork Orange Herbal Incense at a house in Blyth.

The two girls and a boy were kept in hospital for observation before being discharged.

Anyone who needs advice on drugs should contact FRANK on 08700 77 6600 or visit www.talktofrank.com